A Likely Story

"A Likely Story" by William Dean Howells is a farce written during the late 19th century. This comedic work revolves around social misunderstandings and romantic entanglements that arise from a series of mistaken identities. The story encapsulates the whims and intricacies of social interactions in a light-hearted manner, reflecting the values and dynamics of the period. The narrative features Mr. and Mrs. Willis Campbell, who eagerly prepare for a garden-party, filled with excitement over their invitations and the young men attending. However, the arrival of a note from Mr. Arthur Welling leads to comedic turmoil, as Mrs. Campbell misreads his affections, believing they are directed toward her. The plot thickens when Welling's intentions are misinterpreted, resulting in a mix-up with letters and a series of misunderstandings involving their friends, particularly Miss Rice and Miss Greenway. As the characters navigate the confusion with humor and charm, they ultimately reveal the absurdity of social expectations and the nature of love, leading to a satisfying resolution. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Dean Howells was an American realist novelist, literary critic, and playwright, nicknamed "The Dean of American Letters". He was particularly known for his tenure as editor of The Atlantic Monthly, as well as for the novels The Rise of Silas Lapham and A Traveler from Altruria, and the Christmas story "Christmas Every Day," which was adapted into a 1996 film of the same name.